Evolutionary correlation between floral monosymmetry and corolla pigmentation patterns in Rhododendron

Floral symmetry and pigmentation are features of flowers that are believed to be associated due to their shared influence on pollinator behaviour. However, the evolution of such associations has so far not been examined. We analysed variation in Rhododendron flowers, in a phylogenetic context, to test whether the evolution of floral symmetry types and pigment patterns are correlated. Variation in floral symmetry due to variation in corolla form, stamen flexion, stamen arrangement, pistil flexion, as well as corolla pigment patterns was documented in 98 species of Rhododendron. Phylogenetic relations among these species were estimated using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian methods, building on a published molecular dataset of sequences of RNA Polymerase II subunit (RPB2-I). Evolution of the floral traits was studied using phylogenetic correlation tests and ancestral state reconstructions (maximum parsimony, MP and ML methods). Significant correlations were found between corolla pigment pattern and type of floral symmetry at the level of corolla form, stamen flexion or arrangement, and pistil flexion. As expected from their similar roles in enhancing attractability to pollinator, monosymmetric corollas and presence of pigment pattern are correlated; in addition, monosymmetry involving other whorls too shows such a relationship with pigment patterns, and with each other. Multiple evolutionary shifts were detected between monosymmetry and polysymmetry of floral traits in Rhododendron. The relationship between floral monosymmetry attributes and presence of corolla pigment patterns, and additionally, frequent evolutionary shifts in these traits suggest pollinator-mediated selective pressures in Rhododendron.